Which route of administration is characterized by clear solutions containing water, alcohol, and flavoring?

The correct answer is elixirs. Elixirs are liquid preparations that typically consist of a mixture of water, alcohol, and flavoring agents. They are designed to dissolve certain medications and enhance their palatability, making them easier for patients to ingest. The presence of alcohol in elixirs can help dissolve medications that are not water-soluble, while the flavored components improve the overall taste, making them more acceptable, especially in pediatric or geriatric populations.

In contrast, while oral administration refers broadly to any medication taken by mouth, it does not specify the formulation or characteristics of the solution. Syrups are sweet, viscous liquids that primarily contain sugar and water, sometimes with medicinal properties, but they don’t typically include alcohol in their composition. Intravenous administration involves the direct delivery of medication into the bloodstream and does not involve any solution type that includes flavoring, as it is a sterile method of medication delivery. These distinctions make elixirs the clear choice when specifically identifying a preparation characterized by a combination of water, alcohol, and flavoring.